"I am running Independent because I cannot, in good faith, run this race backed by a political party," Clark said in a news release. "I do not want to go to our state Capitol and represent a political party, no matter the affiliation. I want to represent with honesty and integrity the everyman, no matter the tax bracket, no matter their personal beliefs, even if they conflict with my own."

Clark was born in Erin, Tennessee, and raised on the Houston and Stewart County line, just outside of Cumberland City. After graduating from high school in Houston County, he attended Tennessee Technology Center at Dickson (now Tennessee College of Applied Technology). He has worked for more than 10 years in client and computer service in the Clarksville area.

"I have witnessed firsthand many small businesses come and go very quickly and would like to see many of the opportunities and tax credits afforded to big businesses be applied to our local small businesses. Especially with regards to veteran owned businesses and the insurmountable startup costs many of these heroes face," Clark said.

"As a state senator I would like to combat veteran homelessness and ensure that these men and women are getting the assistance they need when they need it most.

"Currently, Tennessee has an admirable goal of reaching 75 percent student reading proficiency by grade 3 by the year 2025, and state legislators have been attempting to support our students toward this goal, but seem to consistently fall short by failing to reach out to our hardworking teachers to gain their insights and experience as to what actually works," Clark said.

"Having hoed and tilled the sometimes unforgiving earth of Middle Tennessee, any farmers, no matter the size of their farm, can come to my office with their problems and know that I will be voting with their best interests at heart on all agricultural legislatures. Many candidates are quick to sacrifice agriculture for commerce, forgetting that these two things balance our great state’s seal."

Clark lives in Clarksville with his wife Sarah, a Clarksville-Montgomery County School System elementary teacher, and their two children, Andrew and Elizabeth. He is a member of Spring Hill United Methodist Church in Houston County and works with several Clarksville charities.

About the election

The District 22 seat is currently held by interim state Sen. Rosalind Kurita. The district covers Montgomery, Stewart and Houston counties.

The primary election will be March 7, with early voting Feb. 15-March 2. The general election will be April 23, with early voting April 3-18.